Dictating machine signal



p 9, 1952 A. l. KEGAN 2,610,061

DICTATING MACHINE SIGNAL 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 27, 1948 1 42 lg 42 g, 43 22 g m i m FIG. 7 20 INVENTOR.

ALBERT I. KEGAN FIG. 5 BY A ATTORNQYS p 1952 A. I. KEGAN 2,610,061

DICTATING MACHINE SIGNAL 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed NOV. 27, 1948 INVENTOR. ALBERT KEGAN BYMKIWM ATTORN YS Sept. 9, 1952 A. 1. KEGAN 2,610,061

DICTATING MACHINE SIGNAL Filed Nov. 27, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 1 INVENTIOR. 45 ALBERT I. KEGAN v i BY ATTORN s P 9, 1952 A. KEGAN 2,610,061

DICTATING MACHINE SIGNAL F 'iled Nov. 27, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 ALBERT I. KEGAN a ATTOR EYS Patented Sept. 9, 1952 DICTATING MACHINE SIGNAL Albert I. Kcgan, Chicago, 111., assignor to Samuel W. Kipnis, trustee for Judith Kegan, and Franklin Kegan Kegan, Daniel Application November 27, 1-948; SerialNd. 62,380 5C1aims. (01. 274-1) The present invention relates. to. methods of indexing directly upon dictating machine rec.- ords, and to apparatus for this purpose.

Heretofore it was impossibleto edit a dictated record either at rest or while runningsoas to' audibly warn the transcribing typist before she heard the message she was to be warned about. Instead, the editing indicia were usually'placed on a separate sheet of paper, sometimesby writing directly thereon, and sometimes by. manually actuating apparatus which marked the paper. In either event, it'was attemptedto correlate very closely the position of" the signal on the paper and the corresponding message onthe record. Dictating machines, wherein the position of the marking element relative to the paper is controlled by the position-of the cutting head relative to thesound record, are used in'con junction with transcribing machines wherein the markings on the paper are=read by means of a pointer, the position of which relative to the paper is controlled by the position of the transcribing head relative to the sound record. However, inevitable deviations between the dictating. machine and the transcribing machine prevent exact correlation between any given portion of the sound track and the corresponding signal on the paper. Mechanical slack, errors in -calibration, etc, in the correlating mechanism in the dictating machines further increase the deviation betweenthe two, which again is aggravated by similar defects in the-transcribingimachine; In addition, there is the human error in observing the precise position'oflthe mark on the paper relative to the index "therefor. Allethesevfactors combine to mak indexing systems extraneous to the sound recordiitself unreliable; and their use exasperating and time-wasting to the trans criber. Moreover, since the warning approximately coincides with the subject matterthereof, the typist frequently transcribesmatter before being Warned that it is-not to be'typed as dictated.

Since the typisthithertoioredid not-hear the warning, signalthrough the same earphones through which-she listened tothe dictation, she was forced to watch expectantlylforlan additional, extraneous signal, so thather attention, already well occupied with operating both'her typewriter and her transcribing "machinewhile listening to the recorded-dictation, was-further divided and distracted by the tension producing chore of constantly and expectantly watching the paper bearing theediting signals.

Another disadvantage*of' the" previousl-y kn'own message;

indexing systems is thatthe index sheet, being separate from its corresponding sound record, is easily misplaced, lost or mismated with the wrong record, all to theexasp'eration and waste of timeof the typist.

Moreover; the paper index requires as much handling: as the sound record blank, thus doubling the work both for the dictator and for the typist. The separate paper index requires four additionaloperationsr (1) accurately positioningit in the dictating machine, (2) removing it therefrom, (3 accurately placing'it in the transcribing machine, and (4) removing it therefrom. An error of only 0.01 inch'in positioning the paper index results in a variation in indexing of about twenty'spokenwords in one of the most precise'commercialmakes of dictating machines. Thus it is apparentthat really reliable indexing cannot be' obtained in systemswhere the indeXing is -noton the sound record itself.

It is a broad object of my invention, therefore, to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art indexing systems by providing methods of and apparatusfor incorporating indexing signals directlyin'to the sound trackof thedictation're- V cording medium.

Another important object is to provide novel methods of, and apparatus for; creating, mechanically and otherwise than by sound ora sound-translating device; indentations in a record, whichindent'ations generate an audible si nalwhen saidrecord is played through a conventional sound-reproducing head.

Yet another important object is to provide methods of and apparatus for indexingany desiredportion of the dictation so that upon transcription the transcriber is alerted by a characteristic audible warning signal before she hears the portion of the dictation which she is to alter.

Another object of my inventionis to' provide novel methods of andapparatus for superposing a signal upon a recorded message in such manner that the signal does not interfere with the accuratetranscription of any portion of said Still another object is to provide novel apparatuswhich uniformly indexes a recorded'message with greataccuracy. Yet anotherobject is to provide apparatus which places an alerting signal in the sound tracka predetermined, definite, uniform time interval in advance of the event'to which the signal relates.

By the term -tra'ce, as-used in the sp ecifica- ,tion'and claims, I mean any alteration in the as applied to dictating machines of the type shown in Figures l-5;

Figure '7 is a plan view taken in section on line i'i of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the embodiment of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a detailed fragmentary perspective view of the reciprocating marking member of the embodiment of Figures 6-8;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary front elevational View of a third embodiment of my invention, as adapted for use with a dictating machine having,

When the executive desires to correct the'words of the signal control means, thereby imposing the signal trace upon the record itself, and then immediately dictates the correction. Or, if when listening back to his dictation, the executive decides to edit the same by inserting new matter, or by deleting, or by rephrasing, he simply actuates the operating key just as he hears the text where the change is to be made, thereby imposing a signal upon the record which the transcriber reaches and hears before she comes to the text which is to be edited. The dictator then moves the recording head to the end of the out sound track upon the record and dictates the desired insertion, directions, or new material. The position on the record of the beginning of the additional editorial dictation may be indicated in the conventional way by a mark upon the paper tape; or by explanatory words dictated into the machine, or by both. The important feature is that the audible signal on the record warns the transcribing stenographer to stop typing before she comes to the material which requiresrevision.

In order that my invention may be more fully disclosed, reference is had to the accompanying drawings which exemplify severalforms of apparatus for carrying out my novel method, and which embody the foregoing and such other principles, advantages or capabilities as may be pointed out as this description proceeds, or as are inherent in the present invention. For purposes of clarity in exposition, the following description is explicit, and the accompanying drawings are detailed, but it is distinctly to be understood that said exposition is illustrative only, and that my invention is not restricted tothe particular details of operation or structure recited in the specification or shown in the drawings. V

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a marking wheel and associated elements of an embodiment of my invention which utilizes a rolling marking member, shown installed upon a dictating machine having a stationary recording stylus past which the record is translated laterally while rotating, the marking member being shown in the disengaged position;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the device of Figure 1 with the marking member operating upon the record;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view taken in section upon line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a plan view taken in section on line l-4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a front elevational View of the device shown in' Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of my invention, which utilizes a reciprocating marking member, and is illustrated a laterally moving stylus and rotating barreltype record; he has just spoken, he merely presses the button Figurell is a side elevational View of the embodiment of Figure '10;

Figure 12 is a detail front elevational View of the embodiment of Figure 10, with some parts broken away, and with the electrical circuit portion shown schematically;

Figure 13 is a somewhat schematic Viewer". a fourth embodiment of myv inventionyillustrated in combination with a dictatingmachine wherein a recording and/or reproducing head translates radially across a .disk type record which rotates.

about a laterally-stationarytaxis;.

Figure 14 is a side elevational view. of, afifth embodiment of my invention in the disengaged or null position;

Figure 15 is a front elevationalview of theembodiment of Figure 14; 5 1 l Figure 16 is a plan sectionalview takenon line id-lii of Figure 15; I

Figure 17 is a side elevatio-nalview showing; the. mechanism of Figure is just prior, to reciprocation of the marking member;

Figure 18 is a detail of the detent mechanism. of the device of Figure 14:, for forcing 81111.95; downwardly upon rotation of arm 9!; V

Figure 19 is a front elevational view of a sixth:

embodiment of my invention, illustrated as part. of a dictating machine wherein the recording: and playback heads move laterally across an.

endless belt record which turns at right angles; to the direction of movement of said heads;

Figure 20 is a side elevational view taken in sec-- tion on line 29-20 of Figure 19; j

Figure 21 is a detail rear elevational view taken: in section on line 2 I-Zl of Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a seventh embodiment of my invention, as: adapted to mark upon a stationary record;

Figure 23 is a front elevational view taken in: section on line 23-23 of Figure .22 and Figure 24 is a detail plan elevational view taken:

in section on line 2424 of Figure 23;

Like reference numerals referto like parts in. the drawings .and in the description which follows. I T I Referring more particularly to the drawings; Figures l-5 illustrate one form of apparatus for eifectuating the methods of the present invention, said apparatus being shown upon a dictating machine of the type described in Proctor et al. Patent No. 2,296,870, issued September 29, 1942, and entitled Sound Recording and Reproducing. In this machine, the record. ZOboth rotates and translates laterally past 'the'stylus 3601f the unit 35, which unitmay be either a reproducing or a recording head. In normal operation, the record 20 is driven by a pair of cooperating friction rollers 33 and 34 (best shown in Figures .1 and 3). Said recordll] drives the spindle 32, about which said record revolves. The

wheel 31 supports theportion of the record 20 upon which the stylus 36 is acting.

Themarking device of Figures l b is also driven by the rotation of the record; Said device includes a friction drive wheel 3| having asurface of rubber or other material which will not skid appreciably on contact with the moving recrd surface 20. Said drive wheel 3| turns on shaft. 22, which also carries the multi-tooth marking wheel 2|. Said marking wheel 2| is keyed to the drive wheel 3|, and is driven partly thereby and partly by engagement of its teeth with the record 20. The shaft 22 is carried at one end of the yoke 23. The other end of said yoke 23 is pivoted on the shaft 24, which projects through the bracket 25'. A spring 26' acts to pull the yoke 23 upwardly, and thus lift the marking wheel 2| away from the record 20. Because of the action of the spring 26, the wheel 2| is normally disengaged from the surface of the record 20. To engage the wheel 2| with the record 20, the operator depresses the button 27 of the flexible Bowden wire 28 (see Figure 2), thereby moving the member 29 downwardly, which depresses the yoke 23 against the restraint of the spring 26. As the yoke 23 moves downward, the friction drive wheel 3| carried by the shaft 22 engages the surface of the record 2|], and such engagement continuesuntil the button 21 is released; The adjustable micrometer screw 30 acts as a stop to limit the downward travel of the yoke 23 so that the points on the wheel 2| will penetrate the surface of the record 20 only the desired amount. The friction drive wheel 3| also serves to limit downward movement of the wheel 2|.

For the greater convenience of the dictator, the button 21 may be placed upon the handmicrophone l customarily used with dictating machines. If desired, the apparatus may be constructed so that actuation of the button 21 also insures that the record is moving as long as the drive wheel 3| is in contact therewith. In Figure 2, this result is accomplished by means of the switch contacts I6 and H, which are in circuit through the electrical lead wires I8 and IS in parallel with the usual stop-go switch on the microphone handle. Depressing the button 21 causes the head thereof to close contact against contact l6, thereby causing the record 2|] to turn.

, As the marking wheel 2| rolls over the record 20, it impresses a series of spaced indentations 38 upon the surface. thereof (Figure 4). The marking wheel 2| is spaced from the stylus 36 along the spiral trajectory traced by the relative movement of said stylus 36 and the record 2|]. Hence, when actuated, said marking wheel 2| falls into the sound groove of the recording. The position of the marking wheel 2| may be adjusted nicely by moving the bracket relative to the frame 4| of the dictating machine, as is facilitated by the cooperating slots 42 and the securing bolts 43. The distance between the stylus 36 and the marking wheel 2| is set at anyconvenient distance, say a length of sound track containing ten to twenty words. By re-setting the bracket 25, the marking wheel 2| may be moved one or more additional grooves away from the stylus 38, thereby increasing the time interval between the signal and the spoken matter to which it relates.

If during dictation, the speaker realizes that he has misspoken, he simply actuates the marking. apparatus, thereby impressingthe warning signal upon a portion of the already out sound track, which signal accordingly will be heard before the error which it is desired to correct. He then dictates the correction.

The procedure in editing'is about the same. If the dictator hears an error when playing back his dictation, he actuates the marking apparatus, thereby superposing the warning signal upon a portion of the sound track which precedes the portion thereof in contact with the playback stylus. He may then write the correction on the paper log sheet, or on a note to the stenographer. Or he may set the machine for dictating at the end of the out sound groove, and dictate the correction or insert. He then sets the machine for listening and adjusts it to play back "the last correction signal, which prevents him from failing to edit any of the recording. The stenographer of course hears the signal before she hears the text which she is required to alter to conform to the editing.

Figures 6-9 illustrate a second embodiment of my invention, which embodiment is capable of impressing a complete warning signal upon the record while the latter is at rest, and also while the latter is moving. In this embodiment, the reciprocating marking arm M is pivoted to the bracket 45 and has a guide slot 4% in which the slidable block ll is reciprocated by the eccentric pin W. Said eccentric 43 is fixed to the friction drive wheel 39, which in turn is driven by frictional engagement with the record 23. Said wheel 49 is journaled upon the shaft 53 carried on one endof the yoke ill. The other end of the yoke 5| is pivotably secured to the bracket 45. The yoke 5|, like the yoke 23 of Figure 1, is spring-loaded by a spring 26 and is shown defieoted against this spring loading by the member which member is depressed through operation of the Bowden wire 28. When said Bowden wire 23 is released, the spring 26 lifts the yoke 5 l upward, thereby lifting the eccentric at, and through it, pivoting the marking member 44 out of contact with the record 20. When the member 44 is thus lifted, its weight acts upon. the eccentric 43 to cause the friction wheel 49 to rotate until said eccentric 48 is at its lowest point. *Con sequently, the marking member is in position to mark upon the record 23 whenever the yoke 5| ismoved down. The drive wheel 49 also serves to limit the downward movement of the mem ber 46, thereby controlling the depth of penetration of the marking elements 52 into the surface of the record 20. If desired, a stop such as the micrometer screw 3|! of Figure 1, may be provided in addition.

As best shown in Figure the marliring elements 52 preferably are grouped along a curve, to compensate for the varying curvature of the spiral sound track on the recordiifi. Thus, for example, I have found that as many as nine of the elements 52, each having a cutting width of 0.8025 inch or less, when spaced at intervals of a? inch and arranged on an arc of 2 inches, mark within the area of a single groove everywhere on a commercial record having an inner radius of 1% inches and an outer radius of P/Z inches, and in which grooves are spaced as close as 280 to the inch. V

Cylindrical records and endless belt records do not present this problem, since they are inscribed with a helical sound track which is uniformly curved from beginning to end, Dictating machines using such records are provided with marking members i l wherein the scribing elements 52' are arranged along the trajectory of the helix assumed by thesound track when therecord cylinder or belt is in the machine. In other words, the scribing elements 52 are placed in a straight line, but the elements vary in length, so that all simultaneously engage the cylindrical surface of the record.

As in the case of the embodiment of Figures 1-5, that of Figures 6-9 may be actuated to index upon the record 26 by depressing the Bowden wire 28. As the yoke carries the drive wheel 49 downwardly, the elements 52 engage and mark upon the surface of the record 20, regardless whether said record is or is not turning. If the record 20 is stationary, then a single trace 53 (Figure '7) is impressed upon the record 26 by actuating the Bowden wire 28. If the record is rotating and translating laterally, in the manner indicated by the directional arrows of Figure '7, then the drive wheel 69 revolves as long as it is held in frictional contact with the surface of the record 20. Each complete revolution of the drive wheel 49 reciprocates the marking arm as once, and thus impresses upon the record 26 one set of indentations comprising a single trace 53. If the operator chooses to place but a single trace upon the record, then he releases the Bowden wire 26 immediately upon depressing it, so that the yoke 5| and the marking arm ti l move away from the record 20 before the wheel 49 can make one complete revolution. If the operator desires to impress a series of spaced apart signals on the record 25, then he holds the Bowden wire 26 in depressed position until the drive wheel 19 has revolved for the desired interval of time.

As best shown in Figure 9, the elements 52 are preferably formed with a chisel-shaped point so that each trace 53 (Figure '1) comprises a plurality of separate V-shaped notches, which create a short, rasp-like sound upon transcription. As demonstrated above, the elements 52 may be grouped so that each trace 53 is contained wholly within a single groove of the sound track. Thus, upon transcription of the record 26, the signal does not carry over'into adjacent grooves and is heard at precisely the moment intended. Further, as in the case of the embodiment of Figures 1-5, the bracket d5 may be moved relative to the frame 6! (and hence the stylus 35) by means of the cooperating slots 42 and securing bolts 43 and in that way the interval of time between hearing the signal and that portion of the record 20 to which it relates may be adjusted. At the same time, the spacing between successive traces may be Varied by changing the diameter of the drive wheel 49 proportionally.

Figures -12 illustrate a third embodiment of my invention which is capable of placing a signal of predetermined time duration upon the sound track of a record each time an electrical switch button 66a (Figure 12) is pressed. The marking apparatus comprising this embodiment is secured to the recording and/or reproducing unit 54 carried by a traveling arm 55 of the dictating machine, which for purposes of illustration is shown to, be of the type wherein a stylus 58 moves laterally across a barrel-type record 51. The marker 56 which places the signal producing marks upon the record 51, is shown as being spaced in front and to the side of the stylus 58, and forms the reciprocating element of an electrical interrupter mechanism 59.

Referring now to Figure 12, the interrupter mechanism 59 includes a cantilever spring 6|, to the free end of which the marker 56 is attached, and a solenoid 62 which is electrically coupled to the leads 65, 65 through the contacts 63, 63 and the anchored end portion of the cantilever spring 6|. The leads 65, 65 can be carried within the traveling arm 55, along with the usual wiring required for operation of the unit 54, and are connected to a supply of electrical energy through switch 7 60.

To mark upon the record 51, the dictator presses the button 66a, thereby closing the switch 60 and energizing the solenoid 62. Upon being energized, the solenoid 62'repels the free end of the cantilever spring 6|, causing the marker 56 to reciprocate downwardly. Downward deflection of the spring 6| separates the lower contact 63 from the upper contact 63, however. This interrupts the circuit, de-energizes the solenoid 62, and permits the spring 6| to return to its null position. Because of inertia effects, however, the spring 6| and its associated marker 56 continue to move downwardly for an'instant even after the circuit is broken, so that the markor 56 penetrates the surface of the record 51. Immediately thereafter the restoring force of the spring 6| acts to lift the marker 56 away from the record 51. In so doing, however, the contacts 63, 63 close and the solenoid 62 is again energized, whereupon the foregoing cycle repeats itself.

Since the marker 56 shown in Figures 10-12, is adapted to impress only a single mark in the record 51 for each reciprocation of the spring 6|, it is necessary that the record 51 move heneath the unit 54 if a series of such marks is to be placed upon the record surface. The spacing between successive impressions in the record surface will then be determined by (1) the velocity with which the record surface moves relative to the marker 56, and (2) I the frequency with which the marker 56 reciprocates, which in turn is determined by such factors as the physical dimensions and arrangement of the elements comprising the interrupter mechanism 59, their electrical characteristics, etc. In practice, however, it is easy to obtain a desirable spacing between successive marks, e. g. inch where the linear velocity of'the record surface is of the order of 300 or 4.00 inches per minute. To insure that the record 51 is turning whenever the button 56a is depressed, an arrangement similar to that of Figure 2 may be used to advantage, viz., a circuit in parallel with the customary stop-go switch of the dictating machine is closed through the leads l8 and I9 upon closing the switch 60. Advantageously, the switch 60 may be placed on the hand microphone customarily used with dictating machines, as in Figure 2, or in any other place convenient and accessible to the dictator.

At the same time, it is often desirable to contro1 automatically and precisely the length of the signal. To this end,,I incorporate a timer 64 into the electrical circuit (Figure 12), which timertd automatically de-energizes the mechanism a predetermined period of time after closing of the switch 60. Thus, for example, in one form the timer 65 could be combined with a signalling device which would sound or otherwise notify the dictator after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, whereupon the dictator can release the button 60a. At the same time, if desireda signal of shorter time duration canbe impressed upon the record 26, by releasing the button 6.0a accordingly.

, A fourthembodiment of my invention, shown in, Figure l3, is characterized by theability to Lplacea complete indexing signal upon a record up'on closing a switch,'whether the record be turning or stationary. This embodiment is particularly well suited for use with dictating machines wherein a record 1'4 revolves about a listed center spindle I5. An exemplary type of dictating machine'embodying this general type of construction is shown in detail in Thompson et al, Patent No. 2,240,321, issued April 29, 1941, and entitled Transcribing Machines. application of my invention, a marking member 67 is carried by the recording and/or reproducing unit 68 (shown in dotted outline), and is provided with a plurality of marking elements 52 similar in their form and arrangement to the marking elements 52 of Figure 9, i. e., the trace which they produce falls within the area of a single groove throughout the entire recording area of the record 74.

To cause the marking member 6'! to reciprocate downwardly and mark upon the record I9, the dictator closes the push-pull switch II, thereby energizing the solenoid coil 69, through the circuit 19. This results in the marking member 6! being deflected downward, against the restraint of the spring I2. In addition to coil .69, the circuit 19 includes a solenoid-actuated switch "53, which isnormally closed, as shown.

As the member 6'! moves downwardly, however, the contact member 16 carried by it bridges the contacts 1'! and I8 of the circuit 19, whereupon the normally open solenoid-actuated switch 89 is closed. As a result, the circuit BI is energized, the switch 73 is opened, and the circuit 19, including the coil 69, is de-energized. Upon removal of the repelling force of the coil 69, the spring I2 returns the member 61 to the position shown in Figure 13. Before the spring can arrest the momentum imparted to the member 6! by the coil 69, the member 61 travels downwardly a distance suflicient to cause the marking elements 62 to engage the record 14 and mark upon the same.

To. prevent further reciprocation of the marking member 61 unless the switch II is first released and then reclosed, I prefer to insert a shunt '83 across the circuit I9 in the manner shown. Said shunt 83 normally is open, due to the null position of the solenoid-actuated switch 84 connected in series with circuit 8|. Upon closing the switch 99, however, as a result of bridging the contacts l1 and I8, switch 84 is closed. Consequently, that portion of the circuit 19 which contains the contacts i1 and I8 is eifectively shorted out, and the switch I3 is held in the open position until such time as the switch 'II is opened and the switch 80 is de-energized. Therefore, even though the marking member Ill is in the disengaged position, the coil 69 cannot be energized until the dictator releases the switch II In Figures 14-18, I show a fifth embodiment of my invention which is capable of placing on a record 29, a trace 65 (Figure 16) consisting of a predetermined member of evenly spaced surface indentations. In this case, novel mechanical timing means are provided, which regulate the deflection of the marking member 86 and the pair of marking elements 87, 81 carried thereby. As best shown in Figure 14, the marking member 86 is secured to a cantilever spring 88 anchored in the frame member 89. In addition to supporting and guiding the marker 86, the spring 88 acts as a pawl for limiting the ratchet wheel 99 to clockwise rotation. As the wheel 96 turns In this tensioned spring to repeat the foregoing in this direction, successive teeth engage and deflect the spring 88, causing the marking elements 81, 81 to reciprocate and mark upon the record 29. To obtain the trace, 85, the record 29 must of course move relative to the member 66 as the latter reciprocates. By causing the ratchet wheel 99 to rotate through an arc of predetermined length, so that thesame number of ratchet teeth engage and deflect the spring 68 each time the mechanism is actuated, it follows that a trace is obtained which consists of a predetermined number of surface indentations.

Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, a lever is supported rotatively on the shaft 92 and includes an arm 93 extending downwardly therefrom. The projecting lip 94 on the arm 99engages a detent 96, secured to the lever 96. Said lever 96 pivots concentric with the wheel 96 on the shaft 91, and carries a pawl 96 which is spring loaded by the leaf spring 99 so as to bear against said wheel 99. Rotation of the lever 96 in a counterclockwise direction causes the pawl 99 to move over the periphery of the wheel 99. However, clockwise rotation of the lever 96 causes the ratchet wheel 99 to rotate in the same direction, since the pawl 98 in this case is locked to the wheel 96. I

To place a signal on the record 29, the dictator presses downwardly upon the key 9Ia. This acts to move the lever 9I counterclockwise and therefore depresses the lever 96, thereby cooking the spring I69 and stroking the piston I9I of the dashpot I92. The dashpot I92 is constructed so as to ofier no resistance to movement of the lever 96 in this direction, and may include a check valve (not shown) for this purpose. Because the levers 9I and 96 pivot about different axes of rotation, the lip 94 of the arm 93 slips overthe detent 95 and permits the lever 9i to carry past the lever 96, when said levers reach the position shown in Figure 17. As soon as this occurs, the I69 immediately acts to pivot the lever 96 in a clockwise direction, turning the wheel 99 with it. Because of the damping action in the dashpot I62, however, this rate of rotation is regulated, so that the marker 96 reciprocates at a rate which provides the desired spacing between successive indentations comprising the trace 85. a

To stop the upward movement of the lever 99 upon reaching the null position of Figure 14, I provide a stop I63. Advantageously, the stop I93 may also be utilized to limit the downward cle- Ilection of the lever 9| (Figure 1'7).

When the lever 9| is finally released by the dictator, the spring I64, which may he considerably weaker than spring I99, carries the lever 9I in a clockwise direction. As the lip 94 contacts the lower projecting edge of the detent 95, it rotates the detent 95 into the position shown in dotted outline in Figure 18, thereby permitting the arm 93 to slip past the lever 96. The spring I 95 then returns the detent 95 to its normal position, so that the mechanism is again in a position cycle when the lever 9| is depressed again.

A sixth embodiment of my invention is illustrated in Figures 19-21, in combination with a dictating machine of the type which records upon a flexible endless belt I06 fabricated from such materials as ethyl-cellulose plastic. As best shown in Figure 20, the belt I '06 is stretched over and driven by the mandrels I91 and I98 extending from the frame I 99 of the dictating machine. The recording unit H9 and the reproducing unit 11 III are carried by the carriage II2, the latter being supported by the guide rails I I3 and I I4 and driven laterally across the belt I06, in the direction indicated by the directional arrow of Figure 19, through turning of the lead screw II5. Ex tending from the frame I09 and lying between the inner surface of the belt I06 is a platform II6, from which a pair of pedestals Ill and H8 project upwardly (Figure 20). The pedestals III and H8 support the backing plates H9 and I20, respectively, the plate I I9 in turn supporting the belt I'I beneath the stylus I2I of the recording unit I I0, while the plate I supports the belt I06 beneath the stylus I22 of the reproducer unit II I. To move the recording unit II'0 into position so that the stylus I2I engages the belt I06, the operator moves the key I23 downwardly. Other control means (not shown), cause the mandrels I01 and I08 to turn and thus drive the belt I06, whereupon the stylus I2 I embosses a groove I24 in said belt. To position the reproducer unit I I I for playing back the intelligence recorded on the belt I06, the operator moves the key I23 upwardly.

To index a portion of the recorded area upon the belt I06 so that upon transcription of said record a warning signal is heard prior to reaching said portion, the dictator depressesthe finger tab I25. This forces the L-shaped arm I26 of the bell crank I21 to swing upwardly about the pin I28. The lever arm I30 of the bell crank I3I, which turns on the pin I32, is pivotably coupled to the L-shaped arm I26 by the coupling pin I33, and therefore also moves upwardly within the well I29 of the carriage II2 when the finger tab I is depressed. As a consequence, the lever arm I34 of the bell crank I3I rotates in a counterclockwise direction, carrying the marking device downwardly into engagement with the upper, outer surface of the belt I06.

As best shown in Figure 21, the marking device, like that of Figures 1-5, is adapted to be actuated by the moving surface of the recording medium, and includes a multi-tooth marking wheel I35 secured to the shaft I36 and concentric with the friction drive wheel I37. Said wheel I31 limits the downward travel of the marking wheel I35, to obtain the proper amount of penetration of the teeth of the wheel I35 into the belt I06. The drive wheel I31 revolves as it frictionally engages the surface of the belt I06, causing the marking wheel I35 to roll along the belt I06 and impress therein a series of surface indentations comprising the trace I36 (Figure 19). As is the case in each embodiment of my invention described herein, said trace I33 is placed on the sound track behind the point at which the stylus engages the recording medium. A backing roll I39 is positioned beneath and supports belt I 06 as the marking wheel I35 is moved into contact therewith. The roll I in turn is carried by the shaft I40 journaled in the pedestal I4I (Figure 20).

As long as the operator holds down the finger tab I25, and the belt I06 is turning, the marking wheel I05 continues to mark upon said belt I06. To insure that the belt I06 is turning whenever the tab I25 is depressed, mechanism similar in function to the switching means of Figure 2 can be linked to and actuated by the bell crank I3I. Upon release of the finger tab I25, the marking wheel I moves upwardly away from the belt I06 under the influence of the tensioned spring I426 after having impressed trace I38 in said bel A seventh embodiment of my invention, and one which is particularly well suited to index belttype records, is illustrated in Figures 22-24. This embodiment has as one of its distinguishing features the capacity to place an entire trace or signal generating mark upon the belt whether said belt be moving or stationary. In this ma chine, a carriage I43 is supported by the guide rail I44 and carries with it a bracket I45, to which is secured the marking device. Extending downwardly from the bracket I45 is a member I48 having a slot I69 therein, along which slot I69 the block I49 translates. A link I50 is pivoted at its one end to the pin I5I extending from the block I49, and is pivotably coupled at its other end by the pin I53 to the lever I52. The lever I52 pivots on and about the pin I54 projecting laterally from the bracket I45. A spring I64 interconnects the lever I52 and the bracket I45, to resist deflection of the former in a clockwise direction.

Figure 22 shows the appearance of the various elements comprising the marking device when in the null position, i. e., the multi-tooth marking wheel I55 is disengaged from the surface of the belt I56. As best shown in Figures 23 and 24, the marking wheel I55 and the friction driving wheel I51 are keyed to and rotate with the shaft I58 journaled in the yoke I59. The yoke I59 is secured to the block I60, which block is dovetailed to the block I49 and slidable therealong. A spring I6I interconnects the block I49 and the bracket I62 extending from the slidable block I66.

To index a signal generating mark upon the belt I56, the operator depresses the finger tab I63, thereby causing the lever I52 to deflect against the restraining action of the spring I64. This movement causes clockwise rotation of the pin I53 and translates the link I50 upwardly, thus displacing the block I49 upwardly along the slotted member M8. As the driving Wheel I51 rises a small distance, it engages the surface of the belt I56, due to the narrowing clearance between the surface of the belt I56 and the line of action of the slotted member I48. As a result, the driving wheel I51 commences to turn, thus driving the marking wheel I55 and causing the teeth of the latter to penetrate and mark upon the surface of the belt I56. As the clearance between the belt I56 and the slotted member I48 continues to decrease, the block I commences to slide relative to the block I49 and away from the belt I56, thereby tensioning the spring I6I. As the driving wheel I51 rises above the horizontal center line of the mandrel I65, however, and the clearance between the belt I56 and the slotted member I 40 begins to increase, the spring I6I acts to drive the driving wheel I51 inwardly, and hold it firmly against the surface of the belt I56. At the end of the full stroke of the lever I52, which is limited by the stop I66, the marking wheel I 55 is disengaged completely from the surface of the belt I56.

Upon releasing the finger tab I53, the spring I64 reacts to return the block I49 and its associated mechanism to the null position of Figure 22, which results in the marking wheel I55 retracing the mechanical movement described above. If, during the time the marking wheel I55 remains in the uppermost position, the belt I56 has remained stationary, then, during the return stroke, the marking wheel I55 at most places additional marks in the belt I56 without increasing the time duration of the index signal. If,

on the other hand, the belt I56 has moved, thenthe downward movement of the marking wheel I55 either acts to make a single signal of longer 13 time duration, or else places an additional separate signal upon the belt 156 which is spaced from the first signal, depending upon the length of time the marking device is held in the uppermost position.

In any case, the marking wheel 55 places an audible indexing signal upon the sound track I57 which is spaced to the left of the stylus I85, as viewed in Figure 23. Moreover, the cooperating slots M1 and retaining screws 5%, which fasten the bracket M5 to the carriage 1 33, provide means for adjusting the position of the marking wheel 55 to mark in different grooves of the sound track I61, thereby varying the time interval between hearing the alerting signal and hearing the corresponding recorded intelligence which has been edited by the dictator.

Thus, I have shown and described various embodiments of my invention which teach the utility and novelty of my novel method and which fulfill the above recited objects. By way of showing the versatility of my invention, I have shown that it can be adapted for use with diverse types of dictating machines, both as to the form of recording medium used and the manner in which the medium is recorded upon. In addition, I have disclosed methods of an apparatus for Ohtaining signals of predetermined length and of varying tonal characteristics. Also, I have disclosed marking apparatus which operates both on direct mechanical actuation and remotely through electrical actuation.

While I have shown and described several embodiments of my invention for practicing my novel method, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary only and that various changes and rearrangements of the details shown herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In sound translating apparatus including means for supporting and driving a recording medium, a carriage movable across said medium, and a recording unit carried by said carriage and including a stylus adapted to generate a sound impressed track in said medium, mechanism for impressing an audible signal made up of discretely spaced surface indentations on said generated sound track for the purpose of alerting a transcriber to subsequently following sound track conditions, said mechanism comprising: a bracket member extending from said carriage, a lever pivoted on said bracket member, spring means resisting deflection of said lever, a first member secured to said bracket member and positioned adjacent a portion of said recording medium, said first member having an elongated slot therein the intermediate portion of which is closer to the surface of said recording medium than the end portions thereof, a second member movable along said slot, means drivably coupling said second member to said lever, a shaft rotatably secured to said second member, a drive wheel and a circular member on said shaft, and a plurality of marking elements spaced on the periphery of said circular member, whereby deflecting said lever moves said drive wheel across said recording medium and turns said circular member, said circular member being spaced from said stylus to cause said marking elements to mark upon said sound track in advance of said portion thereof.

2. In sound translating apparatus including means for supporting and driving a recording medium, at least a portion of said medium having a substantially cylindrical configuration when supported by said means, a carriage movable across said medium, and a recording unit carried by said carriage and including a stylus adapted to generate a sound track in said medium, means for manually superimposing upon said generated sound track a coexistent separately audible signal for alerting a transcriber to subsequent material upon said sound track, said superimposing means comprising: a bracket projecting from said carriage and positioned adjacent to said cylindricalportion of said medium, said bracket having a substantially straight guide slot therein, the line of action of said guide slot at the intermediate portion thereof being closer to the surface of said medium than at. the end portions thereof; a member constrained to move along said guide slot; lever means for moving said member along said guide slot; a block slidably paired to said memher for movement toward said medium substantially perpendicular to the line of action of said guide slot; spring means urging said block toward said medium whereby said block is movable relative to said member to adjust for the changing distance between said guide slot and said medium as said member moves along said intermediate portion of said slot; a toothed marking wheel rotatably secured to said block; said wheel out of contact with said medium when said wheel is positioned at either of said end portions of said guide slot, and positioned to mark upon said medium when said wheel is at said intermediate portion of said guide slot; and means for turning said marking wheel upon contact with said medium, said wheel being spaced from said stylus to mark upon said sound track in advance of said preselected portion thereof.

3. In sound translating apparatus including mechanism for supporting and driving a recording medium, at least a portion of said medium having a substantially cylindrical configuration when supported by said mechanism, a carriage movable across said medium, and a recording unit carried by said carriage and including a stylus adapted to generate a sound track in said medium, means for producing a coexistent separately audible signal on said medium superim posed upon said sound track at a location prior in time sequence to the material to which said signal relates, said producing means comprising: a bracket portion projecting from said carriage and positioned adjacent to said cylindrical portion of said medium, guide means on said bracket portion the line of action of which is substantially tangential to said cylindrical portion of said recording medium, a member constrained to move along said guide means, lever means for moving said member along said guide means, a substantially circular member rotatably secured to said second member and including a plurality of marking elements spaced on the periphery thereof, said circular member positioned to intercept the surface of said recording medium upon movement of said member along said guide means tangential to said medium, and means for turning said circular member upon contact with said medium, said circular member being spaced from said stylus to cause said marking elements to mark upon said sound track at a position reproducible previous to said preselected portion of said sound track.

15 4. In sound translating apparatus including means for supporting and driving a sound recording medium, a recording unit, and means for moving said recording unit and said recording medium relative to each other, means for imposing the trace of an audible signal on a portion of said recording medium, said last mentioned means comprising: a bracket member connected to said recording unit, a rotary member including a plurality of marking elements positioned thereon, said rotary member normally out of contact with said recording medium but movable relative to said bracket member in a path which brings said marking elements into wiping engagement with said recording medium, means constraining said rotary member to movement along said path, means for moving said rotary member along said path, and drive means for turning said rotary member upon engagement of said marking elements with said recording medium, whereby said marking ele ments successively mark upon said recording medium to indent therein a trace of an audible signal.

5. In sound translating apparatus including means for supporting and driving a sound recording medium, a carriage, means for moving 16 said carriage and said recording medium relative to each other, and a recording unit secured to each carriage, means for imposing the trace of an audible signal on a portion of said recording medium, said last mentioned means comprising: a toothed marking wheel carried by said carriage and movable in a path the locus of which brings said marking wheel into rolling contact with said recording medium during only a portion of its travel along said path, means constraining said marking wheel to movement along said path, and means for moving said marking Wheel along said path.

ALBERT I. KEGAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,801,755 Price Apr. 21, 1931 2,066,538 Phelps Jan. 5, 1937 2,330,135 Meincke Sept. 21, 1943 2,382,607 Clausen Aug. 14, 1945 2,497,142 Shepherd Feb. 14, 1950 

